Section 2: Overview of Phlebotomy

Phlebotomist's Duties

The primary duty of the phlebotomist is to properly perform venipuncture or capillary puncture to collect a blood sample. But there will be several other duties as well. Those include, but are not limited to:

• Prepare the patient and site for specimen collection

• Prepare all equipment needed for the blood draw (this may mean restocking the supplies in the work station)

• Collect venipuncture and capillary specimens for testing, including proper labeling and storage

• Handle, centrifuge and prepare specimens for proper transport, ensuring the integrity and stability of the sample

• Adhere to all HIPAA and confidentiality guidelines, including all Code of Conduct and Integrity programs instituted by the employer

• Transport and dispatch samples efficiently by prioritizing specimens to ensure desired turnaround times

• Identify patients correctly and label all specimens correctly

• Provide quality customer service for all internal and external customers/patients, including answering questions

• Occasionally perform screening interviews and take vital signs

• Sanitize work area

• Answer phone calls

• Run tests 

• Perform Quality Control

• Use computer software programs to order blood tests or chart the venipuncture procedure

How to collect and handle specimens

How to perform a Venipuncture: 

(We will go over this more in class and in greater detail later on in the course)

1. Identify the patient, verify the blood draw and prepare your supplies. Use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

2. Apply the tourniquet. Make sure it is placed 3-4 inches above the draw site. This will help slow the blood flow, making it easier to find a vein as they become more palpable.

3. Find the vein. Palpate the arm or hand with a gloved finger around the desired draw site to find a vein that you feel confident poking. There are very helpful techniques we will cover later  about this step. 

4. Clean the site. Once you have picked a vein, use an antiseptic, usually an alcohol swab, to clean the location prior to poking. Use a side to side motion to clean the site.

5. Insert the needle and draw the blood. There are several more steps here and very helpful techniques we will go over later about this step. 

6. Release the tourniquet.

7. Withdraw the needle, apply the safety cap and dispose of it in a sharps container.

8. Apply a cotton ball or gauze to the puncture site. (This is best done immediately as you remove the needle). Bandage or wrap the arm with a cotton ball to help stop the bleeding.

It is not uncommon for patients to feel lightheaded or dizzy and even faint when getting blood drawn. Watch for signs of this. Talk to the patient as you draw their blood to gauge their comfort level during the procedure and to help them to feel safe and comfortable. Encourage your patient to rest afterwards if they feel weak, lightheaded, or faint.